So Excited To Meet You

While Yani was on the train, it began to rain. The clouds ended just a few minutes before her stop, and she grew suspicious. When she checked her city’s weather, she confirmed it. Everywhere in the city was rainy. Everywhere but her route to walk home. She closed her eyes at the doorway to the train station, giving thanks to Imon for this kindness as strangers tried to squeeze around her.

It was a strange walk home. Her distraction for herself had failed, and at the moment, she was marching towards a house full of adversaries. Her parents were surely home by now, and unlike usual, she wouldn’t have Naira to back her up against them in any capacity. She was playing defense on her own.

Or, as she was reminded, feeling the sun on her skin, not completely on her own. Imon cared for her. She didn’t want her to graduate from being a Godsinger unless it was for the sake of true, real love. The kind she wouldn’t find in an arranged marriage. Really, the kind she didn’t want to find at all if it meant never hearing Imon’s voice again.

It was a great secret of hers that she had a recording of Imon’s voice. She had asked Imon to record a chapter of her favorite childhood book to celebrate her birthday the prior year, and for some unbeknownst reason, Imon had agreed. It was only stored in the databanks of her own brain, so no one would ever know. It was a secret only shared between the two of them. But Yani used it to fall asleep any night that she couldn’t on her own. She had a feeling that from that moment until her plan hopefully succeeded and the marriage fell through, she would be listening far more frequently.

She announced “I’m home.” as quietly as possible when she arrived, hoping that no one would come to start a conversation. She never should have gotten her hopes up.

Her mother was the first to appear, with her father not far behind. She could tell he was ready to tear into her, but before either of them had a chance to speak, she bowed deeply and began her rehearsed apology.

“I deeply regret my behavior last night and this morning. I was surprised by the news that this had been arranged, and it caused me to act rashly. Today I sought solace in prayer, and after reflecting upon my actions, I apologize for creating a poor impression of our family. I am happy to marry Blain, both for my own future, as well as the future of our family name.”

She kept her head bowed, even as more and more loose strands of hair fell into her face. They had all escaped from the braid she never took out last night, and now they were ticking the corners of her squeezed-shut eyelids as she waited for her father’s response. Whatever he said, she felt her mother would have no choice but to follow.

“I’m glad you came to a rational decision. For once. But I’d like it if you found solace in the Atoris from now on.” Her father said. “You’ll be meeting Blain tomorrow.”

With that, he left the room. He got what he wanted, and all the information he needed to convey had been received by her. Her mother curled a finger under her chin. “Up, dear.” She said, pulling Yani up from the bow. “And please wash yourself before dinner. Especially your hair.”

*

Naira didn’t talk to Yani at dinner, but that didn’t matter. The feeling was mutual. Yani was sure her parents noticed, but honestly, she didn’t think they cared. That suited Yani just fine, and she disappeared from the table as soon as she could.

Alone in her room, she finally took a chance to message Tsuruga.

Do you know Blain Atori? They weren’t close, and she was sure her messaging him out of nowhere would startle him, but she needed his help. Assuming he really did know him, at least.

Yeah, he comes to my city hiking group regularly. Why?

Awesome. Can you convince him not to marry me?

What??

Our parents set up an arranged marriage without my knowledge. I don’t know if he knew, but I don’t want to go through with this. I can’t just tell them no, though, so I have to convince him to call it off. Yani didn’t have the energy to tactfully feel out his opinions on arranged marriages, or his loyalty to her father. She was taking a risk, and she was so, so tired.

Damn. Blain's a good guy though. I’m sure if you just tell him you don’t want to marry him, there’s no way he’d force it.

I can’t depend on guarantees like that right now. Can you just tell him I’m really weird or something? Tell him you heard I’m a crazy Godsinger who only showers by running outside naked when it’s raining. Or that I’ll need space in our house for fifty to a hundred pet hydracats. Something like that. Please.

…Fine, I’ll see what I can do.

Finally, Yani forced a smile onto her face. This last part was the easiest to script, but the hardest to force herself through. She was hoping the smile on her face would be audible in her voice.

She flipped open the file, and began to input Blain’s username, before selecting audio message. She took one last breath as it began recording, and spoke.

“Hello Blain! I know this is so forward of me, but let me just say, my parents gave me your folder, and I am so so excited to meet you! We look so compatible, and like we’re going to have really pretty kids- oops, did I say that out loud? Well, you know, they say that’s the goal! My parents told me all about your family, too, and it seems like our families will be so happy to be united, and so will I! I love you!”

There. Hopefully that would put the idea into his head that she was some kind of clingy megafreak. Guys hated that kind of thing, right? That was what June always said, at least. Yani hoped she was right, but either way, she had now officially done everything she could. All that was left to do was wait.